More Than Just Free Content

Abstract

This study explores file sharers' reported motivations for downloading and uploading content on peer-to-peer networks, including ethical obligations guiding file sharing. Drawing on Lessig's classification of purposes of file sharing and Giesler's theoretical framework of gifting systems, 40 in-depth interviews were conducted with file sharers in Singapore using a standard protocol, then transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Downloading is perceived as an alternative through which users satisfy desires that existing markets do not meet. Respondents reported downloading to avoid long waits for content to arrive in Singapore; to access difficult-to-find and censored content; to sample content, including content outside their usual tastes; and because downloading is convenient and free. Respondents reported a norm of reciprocity and sense of community that motivated them to upload and an obligation to purchase content they liked. Implications for understanding and combating file sharing during the inevitable transition to other business models are discussed.

Gift-Giving as a Conceptual Framework: Framing Social Behavior in Online Networks

“…Many times it is hard for sharing users to calculate, in neoclassical terms, the expected returns of certain acts. Rather, users act on a 'sharing spirit' or wide-ranging norm of generalized reciprocity (Giesler, 2006;Cenite et al, 2009). The uncertainty of a return is certainly the case with many socially reinforced values, such as reputation.…”

‘BLOODY PIRATES!!!* shakes fist*’: Reimagining East Asian film distribution and reception through online filesharing networks

“…Far from viewing their activities as damaging, the distributors saw their role as beneficial as they viewed their behaviour as encouraging and enabling the consumption of East Asian cinema. In a manner similar to the filesharing respondents described by Cenite et al (2009) and Condry (2004), these individuals view their activities as positive and far from harmful. This is linked in with an ethos permeating discussions on the forums that suggested that files should be used primarily for sampling and that individuals had a 'duty' to legally purchase films that they particularly enjoyed.…”

Fast and Furious (at Publishers): The Motivations behind Crowdsourced Research Sharing

“…12 Empirical studies on the motivations of file sharers in peer-to-peer networks demonstrate that much file sharing corresponds to Lessig's framework. 13 In a study of more than 500 college students, Xiao Wang and Steven McClung found that utilitarian motivations surrounding cost, convenience, and availability predicted intentions to download copyrighted digital files. 14 Motivations for uploading content appear to be less utilitarian and more moralized.…”

“…The sharing of recreational files online has been described as a "gift economy." 17 Gift systems are an ancient human social structure that the digital world is giving new life to; they are defined as having 1) social distinctions; 2) reciprocity norms; and 3) rituals and symbolism. 18 Reciprocity norms, also described as a "sharing ethic," are important; without them, crowdsourced sharing systems could not survive.…”